MUMBAI:
A prospective deal between Jet AirwaysBSE 0.53 % and Etihad Airways is making Air Indiahopeful of emerging as the favourite
to partner the largest airline grouping, Star Alliance Services GmbH, which has
so far shunned Middle-Eastern carriers, a senior AI executive said.
In an interaction with ET, Air India CMD Rohit Nandan, who is currently leading the turnaround of India's national airline, argued that it gives them unwitting opportunities such as an upper hand to strike a deal with Star Alliance.
He admitted, however, that the Jet-Etihad alliance could pose a major challenge for AI's overseas operations. "Jet's discussions for a strategic alliance with Etihad will help Air India's chances (for Star Alliance membership).
We are in continuous dialogue with Star Alliance and joining the Alliance is in our interest. Star Alliance did deviate in between for a short while (when Jet formally requested membership) but they would now see Air India more favourably," Nandan told ET.
Air India is bracing for the challenge posed by private sector peers who are in talks with Middle-Eastern carriers for a strategic partnership. "There are always threats in the marketplace, but there are opportunities too," Nandan said.
The three international airline alliances - Star, Oneworld and SkyTeam - are coveted by airlines worldwide as it enables access to new markets and facilities such as common lounges, wider networks etc.
Air India was sidelined in the initial rounds for membership into the elite Star Alliance in favour of Jet Airways, but is now staking its claim yet again as a possible deal between Jet and the Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways may not go down very well with Star Alliance members.
In an interaction with ET, Air India CMD Rohit Nandan, who is currently leading the turnaround of India's national airline, argued that it gives them unwitting opportunities such as an upper hand to strike a deal with Star Alliance.
He admitted, however, that the Jet-Etihad alliance could pose a major challenge for AI's overseas operations. "Jet's discussions for a strategic alliance with Etihad will help Air India's chances (for Star Alliance membership).
We are in continuous dialogue with Star Alliance and joining the Alliance is in our interest. Star Alliance did deviate in between for a short while (when Jet formally requested membership) but they would now see Air India more favourably," Nandan told ET.
Air India is bracing for the challenge posed by private sector peers who are in talks with Middle-Eastern carriers for a strategic partnership. "There are always threats in the marketplace, but there are opportunities too," Nandan said.
The three international airline alliances - Star, Oneworld and SkyTeam - are coveted by airlines worldwide as it enables access to new markets and facilities such as common lounges, wider networks etc.
Air India was sidelined in the initial rounds for membership into the elite Star Alliance in favour of Jet Airways, but is now staking its claim yet again as a possible deal between Jet and the Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways may not go down very well with Star Alliance members.
No comments:
Post a Comment